5-6-2024 (SINGAPORE) In the aftermath of the turbulence-hit Singapore Airlines (SIA) Flight SQ321, a Singaporean passenger who sustained injuries to the face and spine has been admitted to Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital, according to a spokesperson for IHH Healthcare Singapore.
The patient, whose identity remains undisclosed, is reportedly experiencing neck and shoulder pain but does not require surgical intervention, said the spokesperson for the healthcare group that operates several hospitals in Singapore, including Gleneagles Hospital, Mount Elizabeth Hospital, and Parkway East Hospital.
Meanwhile, both Sengkang General Hospital and Singapore General Hospital have confirmed that they did not receive any patients from the ill-fated flight. Other hospitals in the city-state have chosen to remain tight-lipped, citing patient confidentiality concerns. SIA has also declined to comment on the matter of passengers being treated in local hospitals.
The incident occurred on May 21 when SQ321, a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft en route from London to Singapore, encountered “sudden extreme turbulence” over the Irrawaddy Basin in Myanmar. The pilot declared a medical emergency and diverted the flight to Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, Thailand.
Tragically, a 73-year-old British passenger, Geoffrey Kitchen, lost his life due to a suspected heart attack, while dozens of others sustained injuries. There were 211 passengers and 18 crew members on board at the time, and the injured were transported to Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital, Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital, and Bangkok Hospital for medical attention.
As of 5.30 pm on June 4, SIA stated on its Facebook page that 20 passengers from SQ321 were still receiving treatment in Bangkok hospitals. The national carrier also announced that this would be its final daily update on the incident across its social media platforms, unless any significant developments occur.
SIA reiterated its commitment to assisting passengers, crew members, and their families affected by the turbulence, urging those in need of additional support or seeking to make claims to contact the airline through the provided contact details.
Additionally, a support page, flight321help.com, has been set up by two passengers to facilitate connections, seek advice, and foster a sense of community among those impacted by the incident. As of June 4, the page had garnered around 10 sign-ups.
